How to defend yourself against a banana

The Americans are so much more positive. They are much more in love with success. In Britain, they're a fairly envious bunch, and they love it if you fail.

A man will give up almost anything except his suffering.

I can do anything I want, I'm eccentric!

I think it's because in America you always get the sense that if you fail, you can just pack up your things and go somewhere else and try again. But in England, it's so geographically small that if somebody succeeds here, it reduces your chances of succeeding.

You go in and meet the head of BBC One and get an assurance about not dumbing down. And then, of course a few months later, he's been replaced by someone you haven't met.

To be creative you must create a space for yourself where you can be undisturbed... separate from everyday concerns.